I am a 40 year old woman with new (5 weeks) of back pain. MRI shows Herniated Disc. L5-S1
I work in an the OR (as Systems Analyst) and definitely do not want surgery. But the pain is definitely changing my quality of life. Everyone has advice...but I don't know what to do. I am avoiding Narcotics at all cost. Taking advil and occasional muscle relaxers. Can't make it through a day of work...HELP.
Will the rebuilding help me...can I start now or do I have to wait to heal...or will I heal.

I too have a bad back and a herniated disk. It took almost 3 months for the pain to leave me, but now I am feeling much better. I have started the streching exercises a few weeks back and feel much better. I am almost completely pain free and I am going to start on the strengthing exercises this week. Surgery is the last option. Talk to people who have had surgery and the success rate is not that good. Hang in there.

Hello. Nice website..and I will be buying the book soon. I am a 49 year old male who was just diagnosed (MRI) with a herniated disk after years of degenerative disk disease. To me it is not really "pain" so much as a tightening in my lower back. It feels like a lead pipe has replaced my once flexible and athletic back. I am a tennis player and snow skier here in Colorado and I love these sports. I have had to restrict my participation in both. I still ride my bike, but running is out and trips to the gym have dropped to almost nothing. I work at a desk all week and I (used?) to look forward to the weekends of tennis (summer) and skiing (winter). Also, how much does the right bed factor in? Anyone know about these "sleep number" beds? Thanks for any/all help.[/b]

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